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NORTHERN CIRCUIT - 10 Days

The Northern Circuit is the newest route up Kilimanjaro and also the longest. Because of its length, the Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate. The route follows the same as the Lemosho Route for the first two days and then veers off to circle around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. Northern Circuit approaches the summit via Gilman's Point before descending on the same route as the Machame and Lemosho.

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The 10-day itinerary typically starts at the Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain. Many specialized 10-day variants include a unique overnight stay at Crater Camp, located at 5,790m, just below the summit

Day 1: After leaving Hotel 

  • After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

    Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
    Distance: 6km/4mi
    Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
    Habitat: Montane Forest
    Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Lava Tower to Buffalo Camp

  • After Lava Tower, descend to Buffalo Camp, which lies in a secluded area. The descent provides a much-needed break from the high altitude, and along the way, you'll pass unique
    lava formations. Buffalo Camp offers a peaceful environment with beautiful views of the northern face of Kibo

    Elevation: 4600m/15,090ft to 4020m/13,188ft
    Distance: 7km/4mi
    Walking Time: 4-5 hours
    Habitat: Moorland
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut

  • Today's hike takes you higher into the alpine desert zone as you make your way to Kibo Hut. The barren, rocky landscape offers dramatic views of the mountain. Once at Kibo Hut, take time to rest and hydrate in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.

    Elevation: 4150m/13,615ft to 4700m/15,420ft
    Distance: 6km/3.7mi
    Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
    Habitat: Alpine Desert
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

  • After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

    Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
    Distance: 8km/5mi
    Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
    Habitat: Moorland
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave

  • We start the day with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

    Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft
    Distance: 8km/5mi
    Climbing Time: 5-7 hours
    Habitat: High Alpine
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day8 Pre-trek Briefing

You will be awoken around 11:30 pm with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut.

Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise.

Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).

Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up.

Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3950m/12,959ft
Distance: 6km/3.5mi up / 11km/6mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

The climb to Lava Tower is challenging, with rocky terrain and minimal vegetation. At 4600m, it marks the transition to the alpine desert zone and serves as an important acclimatization point. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and enjoy the breathtaking views before descending to your next camp.

Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4600m/15,090ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Rongai Third Cave to Tarn Hut

  • Today the trek wil take you from the Third Cave to Tarn Hut. The trail is scenic, offering views of the surrounding terrain. The camp is situated near a small tarn (lake), providing a peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a quiet night to prepare for the ascent ahead.

    Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4150m/13,615ft
    Distance: 5km/3mi
    Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
    Habitat: Alpine Desert
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

  • After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

    A  vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

    Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft
    Distance: 10km/6mi
    Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
    Habitat: Forest
    Meals: Breakfast
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